Sometimes we talk about the regions as if they under some secluded rock, a long long way from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

It is true, however, that we don’t know enough about what they are doing – if we live in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch – even when companies in the regions put their exports on a plane to market.

I am pleased to report of manufacturing news from the regions, specifically EIS, the Invercargill based multi-disciplined automation and electrical company which has been in business for nearly 20 years.

They are going well because they realised the importance of technology to the growth of the business and they are currently delivering projects throughout New Zealand and as far afield as Saudi Arabia, Canada and Australia.

When we hear about how well the regions are going we focus on social conditions, primarily. What we don’t always hear is where the entrepreneur is finding markets for his innovations from such far flung places as Whangarei, Westland and Lyttelton.

The trailer manufacturer in Rotorua talks to me about the difficulties of competing with imported goods…is he still bothering? I’ll need to find out.

The sole New Zealand agent based in Hamilton who finds it cut throat doing business in Auckland tells me he doesn’t like driving up the motorway.

But back to the point, if you are a manufacturer based in the regions tell me what you are making, how you are faring in the competitive world, how your pride and joy has made you a millionaire.

If you don’t want to tell me, if you fear competition. If the world is too small for you to share your story get over it.

There is nothing new under the sun…just a whole lot of different ways of doing the same thing. With a slight variance, thanks to technology.